Sub Saharan Africa

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• General
 

Travel Summary

• A presidential election took place on 28 June 2009 and a new President was sworn in in September. This election follows the assassination of President Viera on 2 March 2009 which was linked to the assassination of the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces on 1 March 2009. While the country remains  calm for the moment, these incidents illustrate the significant political tensions and fragility which persist in Guinea-Bissau.  If you are in Guinea-Bissau you should take precautions and closely monitor developments through the local media.  Political rallies should be avoided. If a demonstration or disturbance is taking place you should leave the area as quickly and safely as possible.
  
  
• There is no British Embassy in Guinea-Bissau. The British Ambassador to Guinea-Bissau resides in Dakar, Senegal. However, the British Honorary Consul, Mr Jan Van Maanen, can offer limited consular assistance. See the General (Representation in Guinea-Bissau) section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• If you are thinking of travelling to Guinea-Bissau by road you should note that we advise against all road travel in the Casamance region to the west of Kolda (an area of Senegal to the northwest of Guinea-Bissau) except on the main road from Ziguinchor to Cap Skirring, which is often used by groups of tourists during daylight hours. See the advice for Senegal for more details.
  
  
• Very few British nationals visit Guinea-Bissau each year. We are not aware of any British nationals required consular assistance in Guinea-Bissau in 2008 but document and cash theft has been experienced in the past.
  
  
• There is a low threat from terrorism in Guinea Bissau. You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.  See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel insurance for more details.